Tell us the truth: plea from the front line of an epidemic

There has been a systematic release of misinformation from mainland China to Hong Kong and the rest of the world. But the news coverage about SARS, although erratic, has improved greatly.

For example, the mainland news reported one day that there had been no deaths from the disease in Beijing. Then the local Hong Kong news said there were five deaths in Beijing, then "we have beaten the epidemic and Beijing is safe", and finally (in the same week) "OK, actually we have had 15 deaths in Beijing but we have it under control".

News coverage in Hong Kong has been rather good on the whole and health workers have done outstanding work. They have been honest enough to let us know that they have prepared placement for 3000 cases by the end of this month.

The Government has gone to great lengths to emphasise recommended hygiene guidelines in an attempt to contain the disease's spread. But at least half of the population refuse to wear face masks and people can still be seen spitting in the street or sneezing and coughing without making any attempt to catch the spray. Amazingly, about 80per cent of the foreigners I have seen in the past month were not wearing face masks. One woman interviewed on television commented that she wasn't worried as it was "a Chinese disease".

Last week a CNN presenter said it appeared that Asians had a weak gene that made them susceptible to SARS, and "this explains why we Americans don't have any cases".

SARS reached our island, Tsing Yi, about a week ago and has spread rapidly. On Wednesday I saw one of the blocks of flats in our complex had been sectioned off with red and white plastic tape, and men in plastic suits were cleaning the building. There are cases there, but we have not been told how many, and it is only 40 metres from our flat. Now 90per cent of windows are closed, and everyone is worried that the virus will be blown over from the infected block. We feel as though we are sitting in a war zone. This must be how it feels when bombers are flying overhead and you sit waiting and wondering if it will be your house that is hit.

My wife is a teacher too. The schools are closed but will reopen after the Easter break, and she is due to return to work. She is very scared. Doctors have recommended that schools remain closed but the Government has yet to comment.

It would be financially ruinous for us to pack up and leave Hong Kong. Nevertheless, we are seriously considering it. I suppose this is the sort of panic the Government is worried about.